Storage for seating assembly

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback. The seatback includes a rear portion and a substantially horizontal strap including first and second ends fixed to the rear portion. The substantially horizontal strap further includes an intermediate attachment area fixed to the rear portion between the first and second ends.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/869,425 filed Jan. 12, 2018, entitled STORAGE FOR SEATINGASSEMBLY, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle seating assemblies,and more particularly to storage areas for vehicle seating assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Seating assemblies typically include a seatback to support a back of anoccupant in an upright sitting position and various reclined positions.Similar to other areas of a vehicle interior, such as consoles and doortrim panels, seatbacks commonly include storage areas for passengeritems. However, improved seatback storage areas for passenger items arealways desired.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a seatback. The seatback includes a rear portion and asubstantially horizontal strap including first and second ends fixed tothe rear portion. The substantially horizontal strap further includes anintermediate attachment area fixed to the rear portion between the firstand second ends.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   the substantially horizontal strap comprises a plurality of        substantially horizontal straps having first and second ends and        intermediate attachment areas fixed to the rear portion between        the first and second ends;    -   the intermediate attachment areas are arranged in a plurality of        substantially vertical columns and the plurality of        substantially vertical columns are transverse to the plurality        of substantially horizontal straps;    -   the intermediate attachment area is sewn to the rear portion;    -   the intermediate attachment area is heat staked to the rear        portion; and/or    -   the rear portion comprises a substrate covered with a trim.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a seatingassembly includes a seat and a seatback. A rear portion of the seatbackincludes a panel with an elongated member for retaining a passengeritem. The elongated member includes an exposed portion configured toretain the passenger item and a concealed portion within the panel.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the disclosure can include any oneor a combination of the following features:

-   -   the panel comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the        concealed portion of the elongated member is retained between        the first part and the second part, wherein the second part is        fixed to the first part, and wherein the second part includes an        opening that provides access to the exposed portion of the        elongated member;    -   the elongated member is fixed to the first part of the panel;    -   the elongated member is fixed to the second part of the panel;    -   the panel is an interchangeable modular member of the seatback;        and/or    -   the panel is fixed to a seatback frame.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seatingassembly includes a seatback. The seatback includes a rear portion. Therear portion includes first and second substantially parallel channels.The seatback also includes a strap including a loop for retaining apassenger item. The loop includes a first end and a second end. Thefirst end and the second end are slidably mounted in the first and thesecond substantially parallel channels.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the disclosure can include any one ora combination of the following features:

-   -   the loop is selectively positionable and fixable at a plurality        of locations along the first and the second substantially        parallel channels;    -   the loop is selectively positionable in a vertical direction        toward or away from a headrest;    -   the strap comprises a plurality of loops and wherein the first        ends and the second ends of the plurality of loops are slidably        mounted in a plurality of first and second substantially        parallel channels;    -   the strap comprises a plurality of straps and wherein the        plurality of straps are selectively arrangeable in various        positions along the plurality of first and second substantially        parallel channels;    -   the rear portion comprises a panel;    -   the panel is selectively removable from the seatback; and/or    -   the panel is a table.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a back perspective view of seatbacks with loops for retainingpassenger items in a vehicle interior, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the passenger side seatback with loops forretaining passenger items of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of a seatback with loops for retainingpassenger items, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged back perspective view of a panel of the seatbackof FIG. 3 with straps in various stages of assembly;

FIG. 4B is an exploded view of the panel of the seatback of FIG. 3including a first part, straps, and a second part;

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the seatback of FIG. 3 with thepanel detached;

FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the seatback of FIG. 3 with thepanel attached to a seat frame;

FIG. 7 is a back elevational view of the seatback of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the seatback of FIG. 7 taken alongline VIII-VIII of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the seatback of FIG. 7 taken alongline IX-IX of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a back perspective view of a seatback with substantiallyhorizontal elongated members for retaining passenger items, according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a back perspective view of a seatback with straps forretaining passenger items in a first position, according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a back perspective view of the seatback of FIG. 11 with thestraps for retaining passenger items in a second position;

FIG. 13 is a back perspective view of a seatback with a panel withselectively positionable straps that is detached to form a table,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a back perspective view of a seatback with a peg and holearrangement for retaining passenger items, according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of a seatback with a peg and holearrangement for retaining a backpack, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a back perspective view of the seatback of FIG. 15 with thebackpack detached;

FIG. 17 is a back perspective view of a seatback with a peg and holearrangement for retaining a storage member, according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 18 is a back perspective view of the seatback of FIG. 17 with thestorage member detached;

FIG. 19 is a back perspective view of a seatback with hooks and ahanging bag, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a back perspective view of the seatback of FIG. 19 with hooksand with the hanging bag removed;

FIG. 21 is a back perspective view of a seatback with pockets in thebolster area and on the rear portion for retaining passenger items,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a back perspective view of a seatback with pockets in thebolster area and on the rear portion for retaining passenger items withthe zipper of the bolster area pocket closed, according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 23 is a back perspective view of the seatback of FIG. 22 with thezipper of the bolster area pocket open;

FIG. 24 is a back elevational view of a seatback with straps and apocket for retaining passenger items, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a seating assembly withmesh-covered openings, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of a seatback of the seatingassembly of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a partial backside perspective view of a seatback with amesh-covered opening and a pocket, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a back perspective view of a seatback with a strap forretaining a passenger item, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a back elevational view of a seatback with a strap forretaining a passenger item, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a back perspective view of a seatback with straps forretaining passenger items, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of a seating assembly with shell andliner portions, according to a further embodiment; and

FIG. 32 is an exploded side perspective view of portions of the seatingassembly with shell and liner portions of FIG. 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in variousand alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detaileddesign; some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show functionoverview. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle interior 10 is illustrated having adriver side seating assembly 12 and a passenger side seating assembly 14each equipped on the seatbacks with straps 16 containing loops 18 forsupporting one or more passenger items. In the depicted example,passenger items include sunglasses 20 and a water bottle 22 attached tocarrabeaner 23 on the driver side seatback 24 and storage container 26on the passenger side seatback 28. In addition to the sunglasses 20,water bottle 22, and storage container 26, a variety of additionalpassenger items, such as snacks, dog leashes, ice scrapers, and otheritems typically transported in vehicles can be stored on the straps 16.Passenger items may be hung within the straps 16 (for example sunglasses20 and storage container 26) or suspended from the straps (for examplecarrabeaner 23 with water bottle 22). It is desirable to have a varietyof easily accessible, visible storage areas on the driver side seatback24 and the passenger side seatback 28. Passengers seated in the driverside seating assembly 12 are able to see items stored on the passengerside seatback 28. Passengers seated in the passenger side seatingassembly 14 are able to see items stored on the driver side seatback 24.Pockets 32 on driver side seatback 24 and passenger side seatback 28provide additional space for passenger items.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the passenger side seatback 28 includes a rearportion 32 with two substantially horizontal straps 16. Eachsubstantially horizontal strap 16 includes a first end 34 and a secondend 36, both of which are fixed to the rear portion 33. Intermediateattachment areas 38 are fixed to the upper rear portion 33 between thefirst ends 34 and the second ends 36 of straps 16. In various aspects,the straps 16 are sewn to the rear portion 32 at the intermediateattachment areas 38 and the first and second ends 34 and 36 of thestraps 16. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2, the intermediateattachment areas 38 are arranged in substantially vertical columns 50,and the substantially vertical columns 50 are substantially transverseto the horizontal straps 16. In various embodiments, the straps 16 maybe heat staked to the rear portion 32 at intermediate attachment areas38, first end 34, and second end 36. In various embodiments, the straps16 may be canvas, nylon, plastic or another material. Seat trim 40covers the underlying substrate of the upper rear portion 33 of thepassenger side seatback 28. In various embodiments, the seat trim 40 maybe leather, vinyl, cloth, plastic, or another material.

Referring to FIGS. 3-9, a seating assembly 64 is illustrated having aseatback 60 and a panel 74 attached to seatback 60. Panel 74 includeselongated members (straps 68 in the depicted embodiment) that form loops69 for retaining passenger items (e.g., water bottle 70 and first aidkit 72). The straps 68 are mounted on panel 74. The panel 74 includesintegral cross members 76 and outer members 77 for securing theelongated members 68 within the panel 74. Openings (channels 79) arelocated between adjacent cross members 76 and outer members 77. Channels79 are vertically elongated and provide a vehicle occupant access tostraps 68. An upper storage pocket 78 and a lower storage pocket 80 arelocated above and below, respectively, the straps 68. The upper storagepocket 78 is formed of an elastic mesh or netting and contains apassenger item that is shown in one example as a telephone 82. Theseating assembly 64 includes the straps 68 arranged in a substantiallyhorizontal position along axis 84. The cross members 76 are arranged ina substantially vertical position along axis 86. In an alternateembodiment, the straps 68 are arranged in a substantially verticalposition along axis 86, and the cross members 76 are arranged in asubstantially horizontal position along axis 84. With reference to FIGS.4A and 7-9, the panel 74 includes a base 96 beneath cross members 76 andelongated members 68. Cross members 76 include first end 98, second end100, and connection areas 97. In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 7-9,the substantially horizontal straps 68 extend through holes 104 in thecross members 76. In various embodiments, elongated members 68 areinserted through holes 104 in the cross members 76 so that elongatedmembers 68 are arranged horizontally across seatback 60. After straps 68are arranged within panel 74, straps 68 have exposed portions 108 andconcealed portions 110, as shown in FIG. 8. Exposed portions 108 arevisible to vehicle occupants. Concealed portions 110 are behind crossmembers 76 or outer members 77 and are not visible to vehicle occupants.In various embodiments, the elongated members 68 may be secured to thebase 96 at intermediate attachments 112 (below cross members 76) and 114(below outer members 77). In various embodiments, straps 68 may be madeof a nylon material that is heat staked to a polymeric base 96 atattachment areas 112 and 114.

Referring again to FIGS. 4A and 7-9, in various embodiments, crossmembers 76 and outer members 77 cover the attachment areas 112 and 114,respectively, that are the locations of heat stakes, pins, stitches, orother attachments of the elongated members 68 to the base 96. Theattachments (e.g., heat stakes, pins, stitches) may be made from thebackside 75 of the panel 74 so that the attachments (e.g., heat stakes,pins, stitches) are beneath cross members 76 when the panel 74 is asingle molded polymer piece. Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 4B,the panel 74 could have a two-part construction wherein the base 96 ispart of a first part 120 of the panel 74, and the cross members 76 andouter members 77 are part of a second part 122 of the panel 74.Referring to FIGS. 4B and 8, the elongated members 68 could be attachedto the base 96 of first part 120 with attachments (e.g., heat stakes,pins, stitches) at attachment areas 112, 114. Thereafter, the secondpart 122 could be attached to the first part 120 by snap fitting, pressfitting, or otherwise affixing the second part 122 to the first part120. In another embodiment, the elongated members 68 could be attachedto the second part 122 of the panel 74 proximate cross members 76 andouter members 77 with attachments (e.g., heat stakes, pins, stitches) atattachment areas 112, 114.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the straps 68 may be made ofcanvas and may be pinned to base 96 at attachment areas 112 and 114. Invarious embodiments, panel 74 may be made of seat trim or a seatingsubstrate, and straps 68 may be made of canvas and may be sewn to theseat trim or the seating substrate at attachment areas 112 and 114.

With reference to FIG. 5, in another embodiment, the panel 74 may beremoved from the seatback 60. Panel 74 is attached to the seatback 60with clips 90 located on the rear side of the panel 74 that are insertedinto recesses 92 in the seatback 60. In various embodiments, the panel74 is an interchangeable modular component of the seatback 60. Invarious embodiments, a variety of different panels 74 are available forplacement on the seatback 60 both during and after the manufacturingprocess. In various embodiments, a variety of different panels 74 may beinterchangeably mounted to the seatback 60 by the vehicle owner afterpurchase of the vehicle. Referring to FIG. 6, in various otherembodiments, the panel 74 is permanently fixed to a seat frame 94 and isnot interchangeable.

Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of a seating assembly 130 isshown having a seatback 132 with a panel 138 that includes elongatedmembers 134 for supporting passenger items (e.g., carrabeaner 137 withwater bottle 136). The elongated members 134 are attached to verticalcross members 140. In one example, the elongated members 134 may benylon straps that are heat staked to the panel 138 and the cross members140. A retainer net 144 is shown on the panel 138. The retainer net 144supports a passenger item (e.g., walkie talkie 146). In variousembodiments, the panel 138 may be a modular part that is removable fromthe seatback 132.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12, another embodiment of a vehicle seatingassembly 160 is shown having a seatback 162. A panel 164 is fixedlycoupled to a rearward facing portion 166 of the seatback 162. The panel164 includes straps 168, 170, 172, 174, 176 that form one or more loops180 for supporting passenger items. Straps 168, 170, 172, 174, and 176are formed into loops 180 when strap material 177 is placed withinspring clips 178 and when spring clips 178 are mounted within channels186 in the panel 164. With reference to strap 174 of FIG. 12, threeareas of strap material 177 are retained within three spring clips 178to form two loops 180. Spring clips 178 are inserted into the channels186. In various embodiments, the spring clips 178 may be sew-in springclips. Straps 168, 170, 172, 174, and 176 are vertically selectivelymovable along channels 186 when pressure exerted by the spring clips 178onto the interiors of channels 186 is released. To position a springclip 178 at a predetermined location along a channel 186, pressure fromthe spring clip 178 is exerted onto the interior of the channel 186.

Strap 168 is configured with two loops 180. Strap 170 is configured withtwo loops 180. Strap 172 is configured with three loops 180. Strap 176is configured with one loop 180. Referring to FIG. 11, strap 176includes strap material 177 within spring clips 178. Spring clips 178are slidably fixed within a first channel 190 and a second channel 192,respectively. In various aspects, the distance d between the first andsecond channels 190, 192 is approximately 20 mm to approximately 30 mm.

Referring again to FIG. 11, arrows 194 depict selectively activableupward sliding of the straps 168, 170, 172, 174, and 176 towards theheadrest 197 of seating assembly 160. Arrows 196 depict selectivelyactivable downward sliding of the straps 168, 170, 172, 174, and 176away from the headrest 197 of seating assembly 160. The straps 168, 170,172, 174, and 176 may be selectively positioned at various predeterminedlocations in the channels 186 of the seatback 162. In variousembodiments, the channels 186 may be formed by rods, pins, or otherelongated members.

FIG. 11 shows the straps 168, 170, 172, 174, 176 in exemplary firstpositions. FIG. 12 shows the straps 168, 170, 172, 174, 176 in exemplarysecond positions. Straps 168, 170, 172, 174, 176 are arrangeable in aplurality of positions and configurations along channels 186 as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. A vehicle occupant may customize the seatback storagearea 195 to meet his or her individual storage needs.

Referring to FIG. 13, in an embodiment, a seating assembly 198 includesa seatback 200 and a panel 201 that is selectively detachable from theseatback 200. The panel 201 may be detached from seatback 200 and set upas a separate table 202, as shown. The table 202 may have collapsible,foldable legs 203. The table legs 203 are collapsed when the table 202is affixed to the seatback 200. Indentation 207 in seatback 200 receivestable 202. Table 202 may be snapped onto seatback 200 by inserting snapson the underside of the table into holes 206. In various embodiments,the panel 201 may include a seatback storage area 204 with selectivelypositionable straps 205 that are selectively arrangeable alongsubstantially parallel members 208 in a variety of configurations.

Referring to FIG. 14, a seating assembly 210 with seatback 211 is shownwith a panel 212 with holes 213 for receiving pegs 214 for hangingpassenger items. In one example, a carrabeaner 215 with water bottle 216is shown hanging on peg 214. A ring 218 is also shown hanging on peg214. Various fasteners or interference fit parts may be used to securepegs 214 in holes 213. In various embodiments, the panel 212 isselectively removable from the seatback 211. The panel 212 may bereattached to the seatback 211. A peg 214 may be removed from one hole213 and placed into a different hole 213. A plurality of pegs 214 may bearranged in holes 213 to form various storage configurations.

Referring to FIGS. 15-18, a seating assembly 230 includes a seatback 232with a panel 234 with a selectively detachable backpack 236 (FIGS.15-16) and a selectively detachable storage member 238 (FIGS. 17-18).Referring specifically to FIGS. 15-16, the backpack 236 may be attachedto the panel 234 with one or more pegs that protrude from the back ofthe backpack 236 and are insertable into one or more holes 235.Referring to FIGS. 17-18, the detachable storage member 238 with pockets240 is shown. The horizontal pockets 240 hold passenger items such aswalkie talkie 242 and booklet 244, for example. The storage member 238may be attached to the panel 234 with one or more pegs that protrudefrom the back of the storage member 238 and are insertable into one ormore holes 235. With reference to FIGS. 15-18, it may be convenient fora passenger to store items in the vehicle in the backpack 236 or storagemember 238 and to detach backpack 236 or storage member 238 from theseatback 232 to transport passenger items outside of the vehicle. Uponreturn to the vehicle, a passenger may reattach the backpack 236 orstorage member 238 to the seatback 232.

Referring to FIGS. 19-20, seating assembly 250 includes seatback 252with a netted storage pocket 254. The netted storage pocket 254 is belowrearward extending hooks 256 that are proximate the top corners of thenetted storage pocket 254. The hooks 256 are lightweight. Cell phoneholder 258 and rear panel release 260 are shown on the seatback 252.Referring to FIG. 19, a shopping bag 257 is shown hanging on the hooks256.

Referring to FIG. 21, a seating assembly 270 includes seatback 276having pockets 272 with zippers 274 on the sides of the seatback 276 inthe side bolster areas 278. Pockets 280 and 281 are on the rear portionof seatback 276. Zippers 274 provide access to pockets 272.

With reference to FIGS. 22-23, seating assembly 283 includes seatback285 with straps 282 securing passenger items to the seatback 285. Apassenger item (pouch 289) hangs on a strap 282 in the side bolster area278. Bolster area 278 includes pocket 272. Zipper 274 provides a meansto open and close pocket 272. Straps 282 and pocket 288 are arranged onseatback 285 to provide a variety of storage options. Straps 282 includeattachment areas 290 and loops 292 between attachment areas 290. Straps282 may also include a closed hanger 294 hanging from the top of a strap282. In the depicted embodiment, a carrabeaner 286 is shown suspendedfrom the closed hanger 294. In various embodiments, straps 282 may bemade of a canvas material and may be sewn to a seatback 285 trim atattachment areas 290. In various embodiments, straps 282 may have someelasticity.

Referring to FIG. 22, pouch 289 hangs from clips 287 on straps 282 inbolster area 278. Pouch 284 hangs from clips 287 on strap 282 on theseatback 285. Referring to FIG. 23, clips 287 are present on seatback285. Clips 287 may be used to attach pouches or other items to seatback285.

Referring to FIG. 24, seatback 298 includes straps 282 and pocket 288.Straps 282 include loops 292 and attachment areas 290. Clips 287 suspendpouch 284 from strap 282. Closed hanger 294 is attached to strap 282 andretains carrabeaner 286.

Referring to FIGS. 25-27, seating assembly 300 includes a seatback 302with a tapered upper area 304 for improved visibility. The seatingassembly 300 includes openings 306 between the seatback bolsters 308 andthe seatback middle 310. The seat 312 of seating assembly 300 includes aseat middle 314 with seat bolsters 316. Openings 318 are between theseat middle 314 and the seat bolsters 316. Openings 306, 318 may becovered with a mesh 320 or other breathable fabric. The mesh 320 coveredopenings 306, 318, allow for airflow between seatback middle 310 andseatback bolsters 308 and seat middle 314 and seat bolsters 316,respectively. The openings 306 and 318 make the seating assembly 300lighter than what it would be without the openings 306 and 318. The mesh320 also provides a pleasing appearance at openings 306 and 318.Referring to FIG. 27, the seatback 302 may include storage space such asa pocket 324 for storing a hydration pack (CamelBak®) 326.

Referring to FIG. 28, a seatback 330 includes a tapered top area 332. Invarious embodiments, the seatback 330 includes a shoulder strap 334 forretaining passenger items such as water bottle 336.

Referring to FIG. 29, a seatback 340 includes a tapered top area 342.The seatback 340 includes a shoulder strap 344 for retaining passengeritems such as water bottle 346.

With regard to FIG. 30, seatback 350 includes tapered top area 352.Seatback 350 has elongated straps 354 arranged across the rear portionof seatback 350. The elongated straps 354 include loops 356 andattachment areas 358. A container 360 is attached to straps 354.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, the seating assembly 370 includes a seatassembly 372 and a seatback assembly 374 that includes a shell 376 and aliner 378. The seatback assembly 374 includes a shell 380 and a liner382. The seatback assembly 374 is coupled to the seat assembly 372 atcoupling 386. In various embodiments, the seatback assembly 374 isrotationally coupled to the seat assembly 372 at coupling 386. Theseating assembly 370 is coupled to the floor 392 at supports 390.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, some seatbacks include panelsthat are selectively removable and replaceable with one or moredifferent panels. Selective removal and replacement of the panels mayoccur after the user purchases the vehicle. Panels may be removed andreplaced to change functional aspects and/or appearance of the seatback.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the seatback storage areas maybe arranged with elongated members or straps in horizontal directionsand cross members in vertical directions. Similarly, the seatingassembly areas may be rearranged so that the elongated members or strapsare in a vertical direction and the cross members are in a horizontaldirection. Additionally, the elongated members or straps and the crossmembers may be arranged diagonally across a seatback. For example, for arectangular-shaped seatback, the elongated members or straps could bearranged diagonally from the top left corner to the bottom right corner,and the cross members could be arranged diagonally from the top rightcorner to the bottom left corner.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, storage areas may be arrangedon seatbacks in various locations in a vehicle (e.g., seatbacks on athird row of vehicle seats or seatbacks that abut a trunk area in awagon type vehicle).

A variety of advantages may be derived from the use of the presentdisclosure. A passenger is able to store passenger items in visible,accessible areas on vehicle seatbacks. The seatback storage areasaccommodate various types and sizes of passenger items. Passenger itemsstored on the seatbacks remain clean because they are not placed on thefloor, where they might be stored if seatback storage were notavailable. Also, children sitting in the rear seats of the vehicle areable to store and access a variety of books, toys, and snacks that maybe stored in the seatback storage areas. The seatback storage areasprovide efficient use of space within the vehicle. Some seatback storageareas allow for customized configuration of storage spaces. Seatbackpanels may be removed and replaced. While the panels are removed fromthe seatbacks, they could be cleaned or used for other purposes (forexample, as tables). Further, the panels may be fabricated as modularparts and installed in existing seating assembly production facilities.Also, the seatbacks and panels may be designed to allow for installationof interchangeable panels for various functions of the seatbackthroughout a vehicle life.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a seatbackcomprising: a rear portion including first and second substantiallyparallel channels; and a strap comprising a loop for retaining apassenger item, wherein the loop includes a first end and a second end,and wherein the first end and the second end are slidably mounted in thefirst and the second substantially parallel channels.
 2. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 1, wherein the loop is selectivelypositionable and fixable at a plurality of locations along the first andthe second substantially parallel channels.
 3. The vehicle seatingassembly of claim 2, wherein the loop is selectively positionable in avertical direction toward or away from a headrest.
 4. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a plurality ofloops and wherein the first ends and the second ends of the plurality ofloops are slidably mounted in a plurality of first and secondsubstantially parallel channels.
 5. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the strap comprises a plurality of straps and whereinthe plurality of straps are selectively arrangeable in various positionsalong the plurality of first and second substantially parallel channels.6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the rear portioncomprises a panel.
 7. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 6, whereinthe panel is selectively removable from the seatback.
 8. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 6, wherein the panel is a table.
 9. A vehicleseating assembly comprising: a rear portion including an upper portion;a substrate disposed in the upper portion; a seat trim disposed over thesubstrate; and a substantially horizontal strap comprising: first andsecond ends fixed to the seat trim; and an intermediate attachment areafixed to the seat trim between the first and second ends, wherein thesubstantially horizontal strap is configured to form a first loopbetween the first end and the intermediate attachment area and a secondloop between the second end and the intermediate attachment area. 10.The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the substantiallyhorizontal strap comprises a plurality of substantially horizontalstraps each having first and second ends and each having one or moreintermediate attachment areas fixed to the seat trim between the firstand second ends.
 11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 10, whereinthe one or more intermediate attachment areas are arranged in aplurality of substantially vertical columns and wherein the plurality ofsubstantially vertical columns are transverse to the plurality ofsubstantially horizontal straps.
 12. The vehicle seating assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the one or more intermediate attachment areas includea plurality of intermediate attachment areas and wherein the pluralityof substantially horizontal straps are configured to form loops betweenfirst intermediate attachment areas and second intermediate attachmentareas of the plurality of substantially horizontal straps.
 13. Thevehicle seating assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality ofintermediate attachment areas are sewn to the seat trim.
 14. The vehicleseating assembly of claim 12, wherein the plurality of intermediateattachment areas are heat staked to the seat trim.
 15. A vehicle seatingassembly comprising: a panel disposed over a seatback and includingcross members; and straps disposed on the seatback and forming loopsbetween the cross members, wherein the straps are coupled to the crossmembers and wherein the straps are transverse to the cross members. 16.The vehicle seating assembly of claim 15, wherein the straps are heatstaked to the panel.
 17. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 15,wherein the panel is an interchangeable modular member of the seatback.18. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 15, wherein the panel ismounted to a seatback frame.
 19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim15, wherein the cross members include holes and wherein the strapsextend through the holes.
 20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 19,wherein the holes extend through the cross members in a direction alongthe seatback.